THE ONE THING TO DO WHEN CHOOSING A NEW DOG

How do you want to spend your time when you get a dog?  It's worth thinking about because this time will take up a significant proportion of your life!

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As a vet and a dog expert, my top advice when getting a dog is to do your research and choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and personality – now and for the future.  Before you say I don't know what the future holds, yes we can’t plan for everything BUT we CAN educate ourselves when making choices over what we can control. 

And getting a pet is, after all, a choice. 

Deciding on which dog to get is no small task, but I will cut to the chase. 

If you do only one thing, do this: Ask a vet or vet nurse!

Different breeds have different temperaments, exercise needs, and grooming requirements. These things matter! 

There are definitely breed predilections, or the 'nature' part of things.  Some breeds are more high-energy and require a lot of exercise, while others are more laid-back and do well just hanging around the house. Some breeds are more social and enjoy being around people and other dogs, while others prefer more solitude. 

The ‘nurture’ part of things inevitably comes into play as well.  Some dogs have a hard time being around other animals if they grew up in a non-social environment whilst others thrive on it.  And when such things aren’t in harmony, this constant source of low grade stress over months and years, for both you and your pup, can be exhausting. 

Life is complicated enough.   

It's important to consider your living situation as well. If you live in an apartment, you may want to choose a chilled out or 'lap-top' type breed that doesn't require a lot of space. Sometimes these are small, sometimes not so small. 

If you have a large yard, you can look into an active type breed that can run and play outside although a large yard doesn’t guarantee quality exercise!

My point is, sometimes your house, yard and even your car isn’t big enough for some dogs and you will have to trade up or live with the consequences. 

Additionally, consider any health issues that are common in the breed you're interested in. For example, some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, breathing issues or other genetic conditions – this is particularly where your vet can come in, saving you from years of stress, heartache and vet bills.  It must be said, with some pure breeds you are just about 100% guaranteed to have issues.

Ultimately, choosing a breed that matches your lifestyle and personality will help ensure that you and your dog have a happy and fulfilling life together. 

If you are going to do only one thing in your research to get a dog (which is one thing more than many people!) - book a consultation and have a heart-to-heart conversation with your local vet or vet nurse. 

Those 15 minutes will maximise your chances of making the right 10-15 year decision. Now that's time well spent.